BFA High School Science Department Welcomes New Faculty

As high school students started a new semester at BFA, they were greeted by new teachers in the Science department. Joe McSoley, a long time BFA teacher, retired in order to spend more time with his new grandchild. Tom Lane started a sabbatical leave so that he could finish up several research projects in Alaska and Cape Cod. Mr. Lane will return in the fall and will utilize his research to enhance the scientific investigation in his classes.

To fill their positions, BFA welcomed Marjorie Hollocher and Sara Coon to our faculty. Mrs. Hollocher teaches Anatomy and Physiology as well as Human Development. Ms. Coon is providing instruction in Biology. We asked them each a few questions to help us get to know them better.

Where is your hometown? Falmouth, MA

Where did you go to college? University of New Hampshire

What were you doing before coming to BFA? Teaching High School Biology in New Hampshire and working on small organic vegetable farms.

What is your favorite science? Nutrition & Agriculture and Environmental Biology

What is your favorite food? Roasted Vegetables and Chips with Salsa

Any interesting facts about you that you’d like to share? I have toddler twins and can ride a unicycle

What do you like to do outside of school? Running, nordic skiing, and gardening.

What are your first impressions of BFA? My first impressions of BFA are a welcoming faculty, an opportunity for students to explore their passions for learning, and a unique collaboration of PreK-12 School Farm Program bringing the community together.

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Where is your hometown? St. Albans Bay, VT

Where did you go to college? University of Vermont

What were you doing before coming to BFA? I taught at Rutland High School, Rutland Middle School and Woodside Juvenile Rehabilitation Center. During the summer I work on a local vegetable farm.

What is your favorite science? Evolutionary Biology and Geology

What is your favorite food? Homemade macaroni and cheese.

Any interesting facts about you that you’d like to share? During the summer I live “outside” in an open-air house.

What do you like to do outside of school? Rock climbing, hiking, growing orchids, knitting and hanging with my cat.

What are your first impressions of BFA?  All the teachers and students are so helpful and thoughtful!

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The new science teachers have been busy getting to know students and colleagues. They have been collaborating with Mr. Pfeiffer and Mr. Grant around proficiency in science and working as advisors and support block teachers for the 9th and 12th grade. We are happy to have both teachers join our high school faculty for the semester.